Christianity Today

Todd Beamer was among the passengers who confronted hijackers on September 11. Vice President Dick Cheney has credited the passengers with preventing the hijacked flight from hitting a presumed target in Washington, D.C. The flight crashed in rural Pennsylvania.

Twenty-two children lost at least one parent when the flight crashed, killing all 45 on board. The foundation (www.beamerfoundation.org) will provide a wide range of services to these surviving children, and to others affected by future terrorism. It will work with businesses and nonprofit associations to provide these services.

"My desire is that this foundation will enable many others to continue Todd's legacy of character and faith in whatever events lie ahead for our world," Lisa Beamer said in a written statement. "Todd's sacrifice has already resulted in the saving of many lives. God will use this foundation to continue saving lives."

Various corporations, including United Airlines and Oracle Corporation, Todd Beamer's employer, have donated funds and equipment to the foundation.

Citing President Bush's instructions to "continue on with our lives," Lisa Beamer flew on United Airlines from Newark to San Francisco in October to discuss the foundation with Oracle executives. Her husband was flying the same route when the hijacking occurred.

Lisa Beamer says the idea for the foundation springs from her difficult childhood. Her father died when she was a teenager, and he had not provided insurance for his family. Lisa Beamer says that insurance and investments will provide for her two sons and a third child, due in January. Lisa Beamer decided to give away ...

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